San Simeon, CA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com
Ragged Point showing landscape views, a bay or harbor and rugged coastline
San Simeon Pier as well as children
San Simeon which includes marine life
Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com

As the half-way stop between LA and San Francisco, this Big Sur beach destination is the perfect place to take a break and recharge.

San Simeon, along California’s rugged Big Sur coastal stretch, is a beach destination with a difference. While you can certainly swim or surf in its sheltered cove or fish from its pier, most people drop by to see its preserved “castle” and meet its fascinating elephant seals.

San Simeon, in San Luis Obispo County, sits between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Both cities are about 230 miles (370 kilometers) away along Highway One.

Once part of a hugeranchorun by Mexican owners, the land was bought by the rich miner George Hearst in 1865. He soon expanded his ranch and built a wharf with a warehouse on the coast.

Visit the family’s impressive estate, Hearst Castle, on former “Camp Hill.” When his home was finished, Hearst renamed it “the Enchanted Hill” and with its mansions and views it isn’t hard to see why. Take a tour of the century-old complex and admire the Roman and Neptune pools in the gardens. Don’t miss the impressive Gothic Study in the Casa Grande, the main mansion.

Afterwards, throw a line in from the 850-foot (260-meter) San Simeon Pier or take a dip in the Pacific Ocean. The waters of Simeon Cove lend themselves to kayaking and surfing. Body boards can be rented locally, too. The day-use area of the William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach has picnic tables and barbecues, so bring your own supplies for a seaside lunch. Afterwards, stretch your legs by roaming the beach or by following the nearby trail up to the pine trees for lofty ocean views.

Just to the north of the park is the also free-to-access Piedras Blancas Rookery where there are northern elephant seals. Watch these odd-looking creatures doze, scratch, play and swim. While in the area, also tour the 19th-century Piedras Blancas Light Station.

Hotels line the highway on either side in San Simeon. In Cambria, just to the south, you can find many more accommodations as well as restaurants, shops and family attractions. This area may not have five-star hotels and services, but it’s a charming, laid-back region to visit, with some of the best beaches of the Big Sur.

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
$144 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$162 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,748 reviews)
"Love Cavilier Hotel!"

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Silver Surf Motel

Silver Surf Motel

2 out of 5
9390 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
$55 nightly
The price is $62 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$62 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,225 reviews)
"Room was clean but felt like it lacked some things, like no enclosed closet and no vanity. Sink in bathroom was weak and had to report it was coming away from wall. But staff friendly and good location, pool and hot tub."

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Silver Surf Motel
Ragged Point Inn and Resort

Ragged Point Inn and Resort

3 out of 5
19019 Highway 1, Ragged Point, San Simeon, CA
$139 nightly
The price is $156 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$156 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"We upgraded to oceanfront. It’s so beautiful & the grounds are gorgeous. The resturant is amazing . We ate supper & breakfast there. It’s our 3rd time staying there. It was our 55th anniversary. Will stay again."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
One of a kind property- An Acre on the Ocean & Classic Beach Cottage

One of a kind property- An Acre on the Ocean & Classic Beach Cottage

San Simeon
Stay at this cottage in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Moonstone Beach Park and Hearst Castle are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"We had a very peaceful stay. It was a very quiet neighborhood."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

One of a kind property- An Acre on the Ocean & Classic Beach Cottage
The Lofts at The Market

The Lofts at The Market

4 out of 5
1803 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Paso Robles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Paso Robles Pioneer Museum and Paso Robles Children's ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"Very nice stay! 3 lofts above a great market/cafe making it easy and convenient. Check-in was easy with quick communication with property personnel via texts. Parking was so easy and free, many open spots - got one right next to door entrance. Executive suite was beautiful and clean. Definitely ..."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

The Lofts at The Market
Fantastic Condo with Forever Views in Cayucos

Fantastic Condo with Forever Views in Cayucos

Cayucos
Stay at this condo in Cayucos. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Brown Butter Cookie Company and Cayucos State Beach are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
"Great."

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Fantastic Condo with Forever Views in Cayucos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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